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Pinched Nerve
Overview:
Most of us have experienced the numbness of a limb when we realise we have been lying on it the wrong way. The numbness we feel eventually gives way to 'pins and needles', a tingling sensation in the affected area that is caused by pinching nerves. In fact any pressure applied to a nerve by the surrounding tissue will produce this discomfort and will interrupt the nerve's functioning.
Signs and Symptoms:
A pinched nerve is characterised by:
* Tenderness, tingling, or numbness in one part of your body, often a limb
* Pins and needles, burning or tearing pain
* Nerves passing over bones are particularly vulnerable, especially those which extend down the arms or legs, the nerves in your feet, and between the discs in your spine, as well as the nerve which travels from your spine to your foot
* With treatment, a pinched nerve is usually healed within a few days to a week; more chronic cases may leave permanent problems.
Causes and Organs Affected:
Pressure from the surrounding tissue on a peripheral nerve causes inflammation of the nerve. The pressure can occur for many reasons including pregnancy, lying on the area, an injury, repetitive motions, or joint disease, to name just a few.
Another common cause of nerve irritation is a damaged spinal disc commonly known as a slipped disc (see Back Problems). Heavy lifting, obesity, and contact sports may also contribute to the problem.
Risk Factor:
The following factors may increase your risk of experiencing a pinched nerve: Posture, Osteoarthritis, Overuse, Obesity and Heredity.
Treatment:
Always warm up before commencing exercise and don't forget to stretch before, during and after activity.
Try to avoid the tasks that aggravate the condition.
Other Information:
When performing repetitive tasks, be sure to take regular stretch breaks, and if possible, stop and divide your work into several smaller chunks, with other activities in between.
If you are obese, reducing your body weight may help to relieve the condition at the same time as helping your overall health. Always consult your healthcare professional before commencing a new weight loss programme.